Jun. 13, 2011

Written by

Scott Crumbly

Assistant Sports Editor

Pitcher Sean Gilmartin had a lifelong dream fulfilled last Monday night when the Atlanta Braves selected him as the 28th overall draft pick in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft.

"It's what I've worked for and strived for my entire life: to put myself in the best possible position," Gilmartin said after hearing the news. "I'm excited and thrilled."Gilmartin is the 19th player in the history of Florida State baseball to be taken in the first round of the MLB Draft, and the first 'Nole to earn the distinction since Buster Posey in 2008.Following the announcement, FSU head coach Mike Martin was very happy to hear that his star pitcher will be throwing relatively close to Tallahassee."When they said, 'Sean,' I woke up the neighborhood," Martin said. "I'm just so excited. It's just awesome. Great for him and certainly for us."Gilmartin has been the ace of the FSU pitching staff this season, recording a 12-2 record with an ERA of just 2.09. The California native has also struck out 130 batters this year.The Braves were equally excited about the selection of Gilmartin, whose 33 career victories rank eighth in FSU history."Sean is a quality left-handed pitcher with great makeup and excellent pitch-ability," Atlanta's director of scouting Tony DeMacio said. "We think he'll move fast through our system and are real happy to get him."

While Gilmartin drew the headlines on day one of the draft, five more Seminoles heard their names called by the onslaught of professional teams on the second day.Outfielders Mike McGee, James Ramsey and Taiwan Easterling, catcher Rafael Lopez and pitcher Daniel Bennett were all selected on the following day.McGee, one of the most productive Seminoles of all time, was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 15th round with the 453rd overall pick. After being taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 41st round a year ago, McGee saw his draft stock improve by a drastically this season."I am happy; definitely pleased," McGee said. "I got picked. I'm glad that a lot of my teammates got picked today. I was actually at dinner with Raffy (Lopez) when he got picked. I had just got off the phone when his phone rang."It didn't take long for another Seminole to hear his name, as Lopez was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 16th round.Senior pitcher Daniel Bennett heard his name called in the 19th round when the Detroit Tigers selected him 587th overall. The senior closer recorded 15 saves this season in 38 appearances."[Bennett] is valuable," FSU assistant coach Mike Martin, Jr. said. "The professional people are starting to realize that the radar gun is not the end-all, be-all. There's a place out there for pitchers who can get guys out."

Lopez would be joined by Easterling in the 27th round when the Cubs took the outfielder in the 819th slot. Easterling was drafted four rounds higher than he was last season when the Florida Marlins took him in the 31st round. Easterling has made the most of his athletic talents, doubling as a wide receiver for Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles' football team. He was originally taken in the sixth round out of high school, but opted to play football. The junior has made 30 starts this season.Ramsey was taken in the 22nd round at No. 688--much later than expected--by the Minnesota Twins. FSU's leader in nearly all offensive categories, Ramsey figured to be off the board much earlier.